Tag Archive for jesuit networking

From March 17-19, 2016, Loyola University Chicago hosted its third annual Climate Change Conference, entitled “Global Climate Change: Economic Challenges and Solutions.” This gathering focused on new economics, policies and activism taking place around the world to address climate change. Key highlights included the student sustainability summit, where students were invited to share from their own perspective about the sustainability initiatives occurring on their campuses and learn what’s working at other schools, as well as the keynote speech by award-winning author and climate activist, Naomi Klein.

Drawing on the experiences of the four GIANs – migration, governance of natural and mineral resources, ecology, and right to education – the SJES is convening an international meeting entitled Networking for Justice from 16 to 20 November 2015 in Loyola, Spain that will bring together the GIAN core groups and other international networks of the Society such as representatives from Xavier Network with its Jesuit Missions and other development NGOs, International Federation of Fe y Alegría, and the Social Justice Delegates of all Apostolic Conferences of the Society of Jesus.

Natural and mineral resources provide abundance, providence, and the means with which to enhance our wellbeing and dignity. However, the negative impacts of exploitation of resources are borne mostly by the poor and vulnerable. There are also broader consequences for all of us.

Poor governance of resources results in environmental degradation, loss of forests, the deterioration of soil and biodiversity, and in water and air pollution. It leads to disease and destroys the livelihoods of communities, especially those that have traditionally developed a culture of sustainable resource management.

Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) has been around since GC 35. A lot of work has happened since then and five networks have been formed: Right to education, Peace & Human rights, Governance of Natural and Mineral Resources (GNMR), Ecology and Migration. These groups have met several times. Many Jesuits from South Asia are co-opted as members in these core groups. However, the core group members were at a loss because there was not much awareness about what GIAN is all about and who is to coordinate and how to coordinate these activities.